Cotton candy, carousels, cotton candy and the scrambler. Tossing rings onto bottles, cotton candy and ski-ball — oh, and cotton candy. These are just a few of the attractions at the annual Veishea Carnival at the Iowa State Center Parking lot this weekend.

To contribute to the celebrations of the annual, student-run spring festival, the Iowa State Center hosts the carnival for families and children of all ages, as well as to complement the other Veishea activities.

The origins of the event came after the much-publicized riots of 1988. “After the riots, Veishea started to get families involved,” said Mark Miller, director of programming for the Iowa State Center. “And it’s been very well attended by the community.”

Miller said the carnival ties into the whole week’s festivities. He said it’s a positive way to get the people of Ames involved. “After Saturday’s parade, the families head to the carnival,” he said. “The older kids, high school and college age, generally come later at night. But everyone of all ages comes,” he added.

The fun starts today at 3 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. Friday’s hours are also 3 to 1:30 a.m. It’s open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Times may be adjusted depending upon the weather.

With rides, games and traditional carnival foods like corn dogs and cotton candy, this is one event you won’t want to miss.